436-421 Power Generation Systems

436-432 Thermofluids 4 (or knowledge of equivalent thermodynamics content).

Upon completion, students should be able to analyse and design a range of energy conversion equipment and to appreciate the directions in which the technology and operating economics will evolve towards energy sustainability through improved performance and alternative fuels' application.

The content of this course will compromise the selections from steam turbines, boiler design and control characteristics; cycle optimisation; economics of plant operation; gas turbines; cycle performance; stationary and aircraft gas turbines; working with fluids in open and closed cycles; component matching and off-design operation; engines; ideal air and fuel-air cycles; effect of fuel composition dissociation and heat transfer on efficiency; characteristics of spark ignition and diesel engines; advanced engine simulation abnormal combustion; unsteady gas dynamics; isentropic and non-isentropic wave propagation; one-dimensional unsteady compressible flow; pressure exchangers and exhaust systems; turbocharging; compressor and turbine characteristics; turbine performance and turbocharged/engine matching; properties of alternative fossil and bio fuels compared with conventional fuels in engine applications including their storage, supply, combustion, emissions and life cycle environmental impacts.

One 3-hour examination at the end of semester (65%). 3 assignments each not exceeding 5 pages (15%) and 2 laboratory reports (20%) each not exceeding 8 pages, including analysis, diagrams and tables, due throughout the semester.